Battle Scars: Samuel Davis, left for dead on the battlefield

Born in Phoenixville in 1845, Samuel Davis enlisted in Infantry Company G of the 1st Pennsylvania Reserves at the young age of 16.

On the morning of July 2, the company was called to Gettysburg, where they fought on Little Round Top. They made an attack on Confederate troops, sucessfully driving them back.

During this battle, Davis was shot in the throat and lay on the battlefield for several days before anyone found him. His sister traveled from her home in Lancaster to care for him, searching every hopsital until she found him.

He was discharged from the Army because of the severity of his wound, but kept the bullet forever as part of his watch.

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Davis moved to Pottstown in 1866, where he pursued the trade of brick making and furnace building. In his old age, Davis was a very popular community member. He was referred to as “Poppy,” and celebrated his birthday every year in his back yard with a large supper with his friends. He died in his house on King Street in 1916.

Every day, we will highlight a new person from the area who fought in the decisive battle that marked a turning point in the war or who was affected by the events. Visit the site to hear historian Michael Snyder talk about Davis and others.